Anyone else have a love hate relationship with October? It’s one of the most fun months in the classroom! Between all the pumpkins, costumes, and Halloween read alouds, there’s just so much excitement in the air. Reading small groups are finally running smoothly, classroom procedures are in place, and you can really see your students growing. But let’s be honest… it’s also busy! Between Halloween, Red Ribbon Week, conferences, and report cards, it’s a lot.
That’s why I love weaving some seasonal fun into my lessons this time of year. Themed read alouds and activities make the month extra memorable without adding more to your plate. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Halloween read alouds and activities for 1st and 2nd grade that are low prep, high engagement, and perfect for keeping your students learning and smiling all October long.
1. Bonaparte Falls Apart
This sweet and slightly spooky story follows Bonaparte, a young skeleton who keeps losing his bones. As his friends try to help him pull himself together, students can explore themes of friendship and problem solving in a funny, heart warming way.
Classroom Connection:
Pair this read aloud with my Bonaparte Escape Room. Students solve Halloween themed challenges as they help Bonaparte put himself back together. It’s the perfect blend of literacy, teamwork, and Halloween fun.
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2. Bone Soup
Inspired by the classic Stone Soup, this story gives a spooky twist to the tale of sharing and community. Kids love seeing the witches, skeletons, and ghouls toss their creepy ingredients into the bubbling pot!
Classroom Connection:
After reading, use the Bone Soup Literacy Unit to focus on story structure, sequencing, and central message. Students can retell the story using a cauldron craft and even make their own “Bone Soup Mix” snack as a fun extension.
3. Compare Fiction and Nonfiction with Pumpkins
Pumpkin season is full of learning opportunities! Read a fiction favorite like Too Many Pumpkins alongside a nonfiction text about how pumpkins grow.
Classroom Connection:
Use the Pumpkin Fiction and Nonfiction Unit to help students compare texts, identify key details, and record their learning with fun craft templates. It’s a great way to tie reading comprehension to seasonal science. And… make a fun pudding cup pumpkin patch treat!
4. I’m Trying to Love Spiders
This hilarious picture book helps even the most spider shy students see these eight legged creatures in a whole new light. With humor, facts, and engaging illustrations, it’s a classroom favorite every October.
Classroom Connection:
Use the book to teach facts and opinions, shades of meaning, complete a book review – and even create a chocolate donut spider snack!
5. Spider Science
Spiders are the perfect topic for combining nonfiction reading and hands on investigation. Kids love learning that spiders aren’t insects and discovering their helpful role in nature.
Classroom Connection:
Use the Spiders All About Arachnids resource to dive deeper into spider anatomy, web building, and text features. Students can record facts, label diagrams, and finish off with a creative writing craft about their favorite spider facts. And if you’re a fan of room transformations….
6. Learn All About Bats
Bats often get a bad reputation, but this nonfiction favorite helps students see how fascinating they truly are. Explore their habitats, diet, and the important role they play in nature.
Classroom Connection:
The All About Bats resource is perfect for reviewing main idea and details while exploring fun bat facts. Students read informational passages, identify the main idea, and complete a writing craft that shows what they’ve learned. And how fun are these bat brownies?!?
7. The Hallo Wiener
Poor Oscar just wants to fit in, but his hot dog costume makes him the center of laughter on Halloween night. This silly, heartwarming story is perfect for talking about kindness and confidence.
Classroom Connection:
Pair this story with a short vowel phonics craft. Students sort and read short vowel words, then complete a themed craft that reinforces decoding skills while tying into the story’s Halloween spirit.
8. The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky
The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky is a story that highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even in difficult moments, and encourages supporting others.
Classroom Connection:
Use this book for a lesson on sequencing, and tie in SEL connections by reminding students to find the bright side of situations.
9. Spider Sentences
Combine Halloween fun with grammar practice. This activity turns sentence building into a spooky good time as students create silly spider themed sentences.
Classroom Connection:
The Spider Sentences Craft teaches sentence types and reinforces subject and predicate, capitalization, and punctuation while letting students show off their creative sides. It’s perfect for small groups, centers, or your Halloween party week!
10. Potion Commotion Math Escape Room
Ready to mix a little math with your Halloween fun? In The Great Potion Commotion, students work together to solve math puzzles and reveal which potion will save Halloween!
Classroom Connection:
This no prep Halloween Math Escape Room reviews key 1st and 2nd grade skills in an engaging, hands on way. It’s ideal for a fun Friday, review day, or Halloween celebration. Plus…. it’s NO PREP!!
Bonus Freebie
Before you go, grab my Halloween Word Search Freebie. It’s the perfect early finisher activity or quick brain break for the week of Halloween. You can download it HERE!
These Halloween read alouds and activities for 1st and 2nd grade bring learning to life during one of the most exciting months of the year. Whether your students are helping Bonaparte find his bones, exploring spooky science with spiders and bats, or solving math mysteries, these ideas make October lessons hands on and unforgettable.
PS. Looking for some interactive games and activities to add to your literacy block. Check out this post for ideas!
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